Program of Nursing

The Program of Nursing is an innovative collaboration between the School of Medicine and the School of Professional Advancement. The program is a School of Medicine program with the baccalaureate degree conferred by the School of Professional Advancement.

Administration

Brenda Douglas, PhD, RN, CNE
Dean, Program of Nursing

Mary Mayville, DNP, RN, CNE
Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs

Downtown Campus

Tulane University School of Medicine
Program of Nursing
131 S. Robertson Street
Suite 429
Mailbox # 8002
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: 504-988-5566

https://nursing.tulane.edu

The Program of Nursing Mission

To prepare highly competent and compassionate nurses who think, learn, act, and lead with integrity and sound judgment. To serve the community by developing nurses who contribute to improving health outcomes through excellence in clinical practice and distinction in scholarly endeavors.

The mission of the program is consistent with, and captures the essence of, the mission of Tulane University and the mission of the School of Medicine with a focus on knowledge acquisition and leading with integrity and wisdom and improving the health of communities and translating best evidence into practice, respectively.

Program of Nursing Goals

Develop highly competent and compassionate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degreed nurses who are prepared to enter the workforce.
Prepare students to provide competent team-based patient care across the lifespan with individuals, families, and communities in disease prevention/promotion of health and well-being, chronic disease care, regenerative or restorative care, and hospice/palliative/supportive care.
Inculcate students with a commitment to community and community health outcomes fostered through community immersion experiences incorporated throughout the program.
Support student success in the program through a robust student support structure with tangible and accessible services.

The goals of the program reflect the need to educate competent practice ready nurses for the changing healthcare landscape with a focus on prevention and primary and community-based care, and the essential need for interprofessional team collaboration and communication skills to coordinate care. Students will utilize team-based care and communication through purposefully threaded, practice-based inter-professional learning experiences alongside medical students. The goals further reflect the accountability of professional nurses to improve healthcare outcomes at the individual, community, regional, and national levels. Finally, to educate students to be successful requires support services that respond to the recognized investment of student personal attributes essential to successfully completing a BSN course of study. These attributes include cognitive ability, physical ability, and social ability, compassion, resilience and emotional intelligence. The program and the university are committed to providing tangible resources to students to support rapid professional growth and successful program completion.

Program of Nursing Student Learning Outcomes

1. Integrate theory and research-based knowledge from nursing, the arts, humanities, and other sciences to support the delivery of nursing care using sound clinical judgment.
2. Apply the nursing process utilizing effective communication, assessment skills, and respectful team-based relationships.
3. Integrate principles of population health to develop partnerships, and advocate for and evaluate action plans that implement health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, disease management, and health restoration strategies across communities of interest.
4. Demonstrate the ability to consider and evaluate nursing practice and critically assess and apply research to promote ongoing evidence-based practice.
5. Apply principles of quality improvement that support standardized, evidence-based patient care, contribute to a culture of patient and provider safety, and eradicate unsafe work environments.
6. Collaborate with inter- and intraprofessional teams maintaining a climate of mutual respect and utilizing effective principles of team dynamics to efficiently address patient, family, and community healthcare needs.
7. Describe the system processes, organizational relationships, and economic factors that impact healthcare delivery and healthcare outcomes.
8. Effectively use information and communication technology to gather data, deliver safe care, document accurately, and review ethical, legal, and professional care within regulatory standards.
9. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior across practice settings and diverse populations.
10. Commit to personal well-being and professional development while engaging in self-reflective behaviors indicative of a capacity for leadership.

Accreditation

Tulane University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, doctorate, and professional degrees. The Program of Nursing received SASCOC approval on February 6, 2024.

Tulane University received Louisiana State Board of Nursing approval on December 14, 2023.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing program at Tulane University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

This catalog informs students of the nursing policies, procedures, and expectations of the Tulane University Program of Nursing. Failure to read these, and those for the School of Professional Advancement, does not excuse the student from any of the policies described in these publications. The Academic Policies and Procedures for the Program of Nursing, where different, supersede those of the School of Professional Advancement.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

General Policies
Codes Of Conduct
Student Support
Academic Calendar
Academic Standards & Procedures
Registration, Tuition, and Financial Aid
Course Policies
Clinical and Practicum Policies

General Policies

Judicial Declarations

Any student issued citations, summons, warrants, or arrests after initial approval to enter a clinical nursing program must disclosed such to the Dean of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN). All arrests related to driving while impaired are reportable. Failure to notify the program of an arrest or charge is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program, regardless of whether the arrest or charges lead to conviction. (per Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) 46: XVLII.3331. 3405. 3915).

Medical Disclosures and Restrictions

After initial approval to enter a clinical nursing program, any student diagnosed with a medical, physical, mental, or emotional condition that could impact their ability to safely practice as a nursing student, must disclose this condition to Dean of Nursing and the LSBN. Failure to notify the program of a condition is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program. (per LAC 46: XVLII.3331. 3405. 3915).

When returning to any class, laboratory, and/or clinical experience after any event, injury, illness, or other health-related situation that may affect personal or patient safety, the student must present a written physician’s release that they meet the Program of Nursing’s Technical Standards and are free to participate in all practicum activities.

Technical Standards for Admission and Progression

Tulane University Nursing Program has a responsibility to educate competent nurses to care for their patients (persons, families and/or communities) with clinical judgment, broad-based knowledge, and well-honed technical skills. The nursing program has academic as well as technical standards that must be met by students to successfully progress and graduate from its program.

Tulane University Nursing Program provides a description and examples of technical standards to inform prospective and enrolled students of the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the Baccalaureate in Nursing program. Individuals applying for admission to the program must review these standards to understand the skills, abilities, and behavioral characteristics required to successfully complete the program. Technical Standards may be found in the Program of Nursing Student Handbook. All program applicants must digitally sign that they have read and meet the Nursing Program’s Technical Standards that are accessed via a link in the application.

ADA Accessibility Statement

Tulane University wishes to ensure that access to its facilities, programs, and services is available to all students, including students with disabilities (as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008) and all students can study and practice nursing with or without reasonable accommodation. If a student has a disability and needs accommodation, it is their responsibility to initiate contact with the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility and request accommodations through the established process. If approved by Goldman, make arrangements as soon as possible to discuss your accommodations so that they may be implemented in a timely fashion. I will never ask for medical documentation from you to support potential accommodation needs. Goldman Center contact information: Email: goldman@tulane.edu; Phone (504) 862-8433; Website: https://accessibility.tulane.edu

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statements (EDI)

"Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are important Tulane values that are key drivers of academic excellence in our learning environments. In our drive for academic excellence, we seek to ensure that students, faculty, and staff across diverse social identities, cultural backgrounds, and lived experiences can thrive - especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, social class, international, veterans, religious minorities, age, and any other classification protected by applicable law - see Tulane's Nondiscrimination Policy).

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2017) “recognizes diversity, inclusion, and equity as critical to nursing education and fundamental to developing a nursing workforce able to provide high quality, culturally appropriate, and congruent health care in partnership with individuals, families, communities, and populations. AACN is committed to preparing a community of scholars, clinicians, educators, and leaders who fully value the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity to promote the health of the nation and the world.”

Codes of Conduct

Tulane University Code of Student Conduct

Tulane University maintains a code of conduct applicable to all students. Please follow the link https://conduct.tulane.edu/code-conduct for the full Code of Student Conduct document, which is updated annually.

School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) Undergraduate Code of Academic Conduct

SoPA maintains a code of academic conduct applicable to all SoPA students, except as superseded by the Program of Nursing Code of Professional Conduct. Please follow the link https://sopa.tulane.edu/student-information/policies for the full SoPA Code of Academic Conduct.

Program of Nursing Code of Professional Conduct

The Program of Nursing (PON) abides by Tulane University’s Student Code of Conduct and process and the School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) Undergraduate Code of Academic Conduct and utilizes the School of Medicine’s Code of Professional Conduct as its framework. If a student is alleged to have violated the Nursing Code of Professional Conduct in addition to the University Student Code of Conduct and/or the SoPA Undergraduate Code of Academic Conduct, the student may be charged under each Code separately. A full copy of the Nursing Code of Professional Conduct is available in the program office and the Program of Nursing Student Handbook.

The Tulane Healthcare Community believes that a profession gains its credibility by its commitment to society. As a professional group, we recognize our multiple responsibilities to our patients, colleagues, communities, families, and ourselves. Realizing that it is a privilege and an honor to be a healthcare professional, we hold the following ideals:

Patient welfare is our primary concern, for only by this commitment do we justify the trust placed in us by patients and the community at large.
Relationships with our peers, faculty and staff are an essential part of professional conduct.
Integrating personal growth into our professional development is essential to our commitment to nursing.
As nursing professionals, we shall strive to be responsible citizens and strive to instill and uphold the values and ideas set forth in this policy.

Definitions: Unprofessional behavior is defined as behavior that violates these ideals. These behaviors include, but are not limited to:

acting improperly towards patients, supervisors and/or peers.
disrespect for faculty, patients, supervisors and/or peers.
dishonest, unethical and/or illegal behavior.
failure to meet clinical responsibilities.
failure to correct deficiencies in academic performance in a responsible and timely fashion.
attempts to purposely impair another student’s educational opportunity.
acting in a manner which is detrimental to the moral and ethical standards of the profession.
acting to knowingly deceive another student, faculty member, or peer with the intent to gain advantage, academic or otherwise, for said student or for any other student.
Cheating, knowingly circumventing any course requirement, or stealing including:
- Plagiarism.
- signing another student’s name on an attendance sheet.
- taking photos of exam materials/keys, even if for personal use.
- discussing or sharing exam questions with another student.
- presenting the same work for credit in two separate courses.
- tampering with academic records.

Disciplinary Action and Due Process Policy: Unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated. The Program reserves the right to dismiss or terminate any student for cause. Causes for dismissal or termination include, but are not limited to:

A student who violates Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) 46:XVII.3331 Denial or Delay of Licensure, Licensure by Endorsement, Reinstatement, or the Right to Practice Nursing as a Student Nurse. Specifically:

A student will be denied the right to practice as a nursing student for infractions listed in 3331.A. and will be dismissed from the program.
A student will be denied the right to practice nursing as a student nurse for up to five years for infractions listed in 3331.B., will be dismissed from the program, and is potentially eligible for readmission after five years.
A student will be delayed in the ability to progress in the program for infractions listed in 3331.C., and will be placed on a Leave of Absence as described in the Program of Nursing Withdrawal and Leave of Absence Policy, or dismissed from the program.

2. Behaviors as noted in the Practicum Course Critical Incident Policy III.C.

3. Behaviors in Violation of the Program of Nursing Code of Professional Conduct.

Initially, perceived breaches of this code should be discussed privately among the parties. If private resolution is not possible and alleged violations of the PON Code of Professional Conduct have been reported, the following process will be followed:

Notice: The complainant shall notify the PON Director of Curriculum & Academic Affairs of their concerns in writing. Only Tulane students, faculty, and staff members may file a complaint. The PON Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs will provide the respondent with a copy of the allegations in writing including: the nature and occasion of the allegations, the name of the complainant, and copies of the documents pertinent to the allegation within seven (7) business days after the occurrence of events or as soon as practical. This material will be sent to the student’s Tulane email address.

If the respondent(s) in the case inform(s) the PON Director of Curriculum & Academic Affairs that they plan to accept responsibility, the respondent may waive the hearing.

Hearing: The PON Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs will convene a Student Professionalism Committee hearing panel to review the charges brought against the respondent. The purpose of the hearing is to provide the complainant and respondent with an opportunity to be heard and to supply the Student Professionalism Committee with the relevant information necessary to reach a decision. A hearing is not a legal procedure and as such, formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence, such as are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in these proceedings. Polygraph tests are not admissible as evidence.

Evidence Standard: Student Professionalism Committee members shall make decisions about alleged violations based on the principle of “preponderance of the evidence” (i.e., that the alleged violation is more likely than not to have occurred.)

Hearing Date: The Student Professionalism Committee will make every effort to process cases in a timely manner. Effort will be made to convene a hearing within a reasonable time, generally fifteen (15) working days of the responding student’s notice of allegations.

Student Professionalism Committee Hearing Panel: The hearing panel shall consist of two full-time nursing faculty, one adjunct or clinical nursing faculty, two nursing students, all of whom are eligible to vote, and the PON academic advisor who is a non-voting member. One full-time and one adjunct or clinical nursing faculty are appointed by the PON Dean, and one full-time faculty is elected by the PON Faculty Organization

Failure to Appear: If a respondent, having been notified, does not appear before the hearing panel, the information in support of the charges shall be presented and the hearing shall proceed. The respondent may send written testimony to be included in lieu of appearing. There shall be no penalty for not appearing at a hearing. If the complainant cannot appear at the hearing, they must send a proxy or be available by phone. If the complainant is unreachable at the hearing, the hearing may be canceled or rescheduled.

Testimony: If a person is called before a hearing panel, the person is obligated to be completely honest.

Witnesses: The PON Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs shall consult with the complainant and the respondent, if necessary, to ascertain what witnesses should be called in the hearing.

Procedures for Hearing Panel: Hearings shall be conducted in private. The PON Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs shall preside over each hearing panel as Hearing Chair and shall notify all parties of the date and time of the hearing. If the Chair is unable to preside, the Dean will assign a faculty member to replace them.

Evidence: Relevant documentary evidence and written statements may be accepted as information for consideration by the hearing panel at the discretion of the Chair. Relevant evidence submitted regarding the allegations should be shared with the parties and the hearing panel within a reasonable time before the hearing. All procedural questions are subject to the reasonable discretion and final decision of the Chair. Formal rules of process, procedure, and/or technical rules of evidence, such as are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in proceedings. All testimony given in a hearing is to be held in confidence. All witnesses must be called to give substantive testimony rather than to serve as character witnesses. The respondent may make a statement before the hearing panel, examine or dispute evidence, make no statement, or decline to respond to any questions.

The Chair will lead any questions submitted to the parties during testimony. After hearing evidence and witnesses in the case, the panel will vote to determine responsibility, based on the preponderance of evidence; a majority is necessary. All members other than the Chair are required to vote. No member of the panel will be allowed to vote unless they have been present to hear the evidence in the case.

The Chair shall notify the respondent of the results generally within five (5) working days after the hearing. If the respondent is found not responsible, there will be no report of the case on their permanent record or in School records. If the respondent is found responsible, the hearing panel will recommend sanctions to the Chair. The history of violations or alleged violations by a respondent is not relevant to determining responsibility in a new case. Hearing panel members will be presented with information about past violations only after they have voted on responsibility, and this information is used only for the purposes of sanctioning students who are found responsible for repeat violations.

Sanctions: Sanctions for violations are imposed on the basis of the severity of the infraction and any history of repeated violations by the student. The appropriate sanctions will be determined by the Chair of the hearing for students who are found responsible.

Appeals Process for Findings: Any student has a right to appeal the determination of the finding and/or consequences delivered only for specific reasons set forth below:

Procedural Error: Material deviation from procedures that substantially impacted determinations of responsibility or sanctions applied (this may include a bias or conflict of interest).
New and Substantial Evidence: New and substantial evidence appeared that could have not reasonably been discovered before the determination of responsibility was made. 
Disproportionate Sanctions: Where sanctions are grossly disproportionate to the findings of responsibility. Ordinarily, a student or has ten (10) days to file an appeal from the delivery of written notice of final outcome from the Chair of the Student Professionalism Committee hearing panel.

The appellate panel will consist of three members. Panel members will be drawn from the Student Professionalism Committee. Individuals who served on the original hearing panel will not be allowed to serve on the appellate panel for the same case.
The appeal must consist of a plain, concise, and complete written statement outlining the grounds for appeal and all relevant information to substantiate the basis for the appeal. The appeal must be sent to the Hearing Chair via Tulane email. The Chair will acknowledge receipt of the written appeal in writing. The Chair will then assess the written appeal to determine whether the appeal is timely filed and, if so, whether the appeal is properly framed based on the permissible grounds.  If the Chair determines that the appeal does not properly fit within one of the specific grounds for appeal, the appeal will be denied. If the appeal is properly filed, the appellate panel may offer impacted individuals the opportunity to review the written appeal and offer their perspectives to the appellate panel.  If multiple individuals appeal, the appeal documents from each party will be considered together in one appeal process.  In all appeals, the appellate panel will presume that decisions were made reasonably and appropriately, unless there is compelling information to the contrary.  Appeals are not intended to be a rehearing of the matter. Most appeals consist of a review of the written documentation or record of the original hearing and pertinent documentation regarding the grounds for appeal.  The appellate panel may speak to the complainant, respondent, witnesses, Chair, or any impacted individuals, as appropriate. 
The appellate panel may, by majority vote:

• Affirm the determination of transgressions or consequences in whole or in part.  

• Alter the determination of transgressions or consequences in whole or in part.  

• Return the matter to the conduct officer or hearing panel with instructions to reconvene to cure a procedural error or reconsider the consequences delivered.  

No situation will ever be remanded for reconsideration more than once. The appellate panel will transmit via email a written decision generally within ten (10) business days from the date of the appeal. Appeal decisions are final.

Student Support

Academic Advising and Guidance

Advising is an important component of the retention and success of Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) students at Tulane University. PON Academic Advisors will aid in counseling, course scheduling, and career planning. PON advisors can also assist in the review of the student’s academic transcript as they progress through the curriculum and with the final degree verification requirements.

Upon admission to the PON, academic advising is coordinated by the PON Academic Advisor. The PON Academic Advisor’s name, telephone number, and email address is available and accessible from the Program of Nursing office.

Academic Advisors will be available to meet with students in person or virtually. Program advising is done prior to the start of each semester, with additional advising as needed throughout the semester. Specifically, the Program Academic Advisor will assist the student by:

1. Providing any needed clarification regarding the curriculum plan and sequence.
2. Providing guidance when adjustments in the planned curriculum are needed (e.g., failures, withdrawals, leave of absence, etc.).
3. Communicating with the student to ensure the student is progressing as per plan.

Academic Success and Tutoring

Students can schedule a 1:1 tutoring appointment with a peer tutor at https://web.penjiapp.com/schools/tulane. Select the ALTC Community.

A Program of Nursing Academic Success Coach is available to proactively provide academic and developmental guidance to students and will actively initiate and continue ongoing guidance to support student knowledge acquisition and progression.

Writing Coaching: You can schedule an in-person or virtual writing consultation with one of our Writing Coaches at https://web.penjiapp.com/schools/tulane. Select the Writing Center Community.

To get the most out of your writing appointment:

Bring all prompts, drafts, notes, and relevant research/support materials with you.
When you receive your appointment confirmation email, reply and attach a copy of your paper for the Writing Coach to preview prior to your session.
Have specific questions or areas that you want to work on.
We recommend that students schedule at least 2 sessions for an average paper and 3 for a major assignment. One during the brainstorming and research collection stage, the 2nd after the first rough draft has been completed, and the 3rd prior to submitting the final draft.
Good writing requires time, and we strongly discourage last-minute appointments. Writing resources for academic writing, presentations, and ESL tools can be found on our website here: https://success.tulane.edu/altc/academic-writing-center.
If you need help with research, citations, writing software, or citation apps, the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library has a Research Help Desk and Subject Area Librarians to help you. They also offer workshops and presentations on a variety of topics and tools that support research and writing. You can access their resources and contact a Research Librarian here: https://library.tulane.edu/services.

Healthcare and Counseling Services Policy

Tulane University has a well-developed student support system in place with a mission to advance the health and well-being of Tulanians by providing a comprehensive suite of health and counseling services that includes prevention, maintenance, and treatment.

POLICY STATEMENT
Campus Health and Wellness is composed of the Health Center for Student Care, the Counseling Center, the Well for Health Promotion, the Campus Health Pharmacy, the Tulane Recovery Community, and Campus Recreation. Each of these offices plays a unique role in advancing our community's health and well-being. Students may access services at Campus Health and Wellness related to nutrition, mental health, medical needs, fitness, and recovery services.

Students are assessed a mandatory fee each semester as part of the University tuition and fees to afford them unlimited access to these services.

POLICY RESOURCES
Campus Health and Wellness

Retention and Student Support

The Student Professionalism Committee meets monthly, but no less frequently than quarterly, to review the academic progress of all students who have accrued deficiencies. The committee’s role is to support as well as to evaluate students to assure their future success as nurses. Retention is a top priority of the committee and of the administration and faculty of the school. Struggling students are encouraged to seek help from the course faculty, the Student Success Coach, their Academic Advisor or the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs.

Counseling services for students is encouraged and supported. While adhering to fair and consistent policies, the committee shall also consider all extenuating circumstances that may affect a student’s performance. An emphasis solely on academic performance runs contrary to the fundamental conviction of the faculty and administration at Tulane. Grades do not provide the sole criteria to determine the future performance of a nurse; nevertheless, the academic standards of the Program of Nursing must be maintained. Considering the responsibility to the public, the student Professionalism Committee shall be as flexible and as reasonable as possible under the circumstances regarding academic deficiencies. The faculty of the Program of Nursing wants every student to be successful and to graduate. It is expected that students having difficulties will take advantage of every resource available to them including going to class, meeting with course faculty, the Academic Advisors, the Student Success Coach, or the Director of Curriculum of Academic Affairs.

Title IX

Tulane University recognizes the inherent dignity of all individuals and promotes respect for all people. As such, Tulane is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination including sexual and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence like sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. If you (or someone you know) has experienced or is experiencing these types of behaviors, know that you are not alone. Resources and support are available: you can learn more at allin.tulane.edu .  Any and all of your communications on these matters will be treated as either “Confidential” or “Private”. Please know that if you choose to confide, we are required by the university to share your disclosure in a Care Connection to the Office of Case Management and Victim Support Services to be sure you are connected with all the support the university can offer.  The Office of University Sexual Misconduct Response and Title IX Administration is also notified of these disclosures.  You choose whether or not you want to meet with these offices. You can also make a disclosure yourself, including an anonymous report, through the form at tulane.edu/concerns.

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Tulane Program of Nursing adheres to the policies of Tulane University Code of Student Conduct and the Equal Opportunity/Anti-Discrimination Policies.

See Related Resources for links.

RELATED RESOURCES
Tulane University Code of Student Conduct
https://allin.tulane.edu/get-help
Title IX Office & Title IX Coordinator | (504) 865-5611 or titleix@tulane.edu
Student Affairs Professional On-Call (24/7) | (504) 920-9900
Equal Opportunity/Anti-Discrimination Policies
Goldman Center for Student Accessibility

Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Policy

Tulane University’s Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response (OEPR) provides comprehensive emergency management services for Tulane University to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against the adverse impacts of disasters regardless of type, scale, or causality. The OEPR is charged with the preparation, prevention, and response to all-hazards events at Tulane University. The OEPR coordinates the University's response in a variety of emergency situations, activating Tulane's Incident Command team, issuing mass emergency communications, and coordinating with the City of New Orleans' Office of Emergency Management and with parishes (counties) in the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area where Tulane has business operations.

POLICY STATEMENT

Tulane Program of Nursing adheres to the direction and policies of Tulane University’s OEPR. In case of an emergency, nursing students are to follow the University’s instructions for responding to the situation. Students rotating at facilities outside the New Orleans area should follow local emergency response policies and procedures. However, regardless of location, Tulane nursing students are never part of an emergency team and should always evacuate according to Tulane University’s directions.

PROCEDURE

In the event of an emergency or impending threat, Tulane will send critical email, voice, and text messages to students, faculty, and staff at multiple telephone and e-mail addresses.

To ensure that Tulane has accurate and current contact information in the Office of the Registrar records, students, faculty, and staff should update their information through Gibson Online or the Registrar's Office.

Following an emergency that displaces students from campus, the University will provide updated information on the Emergency Notices website and activate the Tulane Alert Line to provide faculty, staff, students, and parents with up-to-date information regarding campus preparations, announcements about closing and reopening of university offices, and other relevant instructions.

If the School of Medicine is closed due to a city-wide evacuation notice, students are asked to finish their work and follow the University’s evacuation procedures.

Nursing students, faculty and staff, and their families should develop their own personal emergency plans in the event New Orleans is threatened by a hurricane. Personal plans should include destination and transportation arrangements.

Protecting Student’s Right to Confidential Educational Records Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C.§ 1232g, is a federal law that protects the privacy and accuracy of education records for students. FERPA applies to all educational institutions that receive funds under the Department of Education.

POLICY STATEMENT
Tulane Program of Nursing is committed to adhering to FERPA and ensuring the confidentiality of student education records in accordance with the Tulane University FERPA policy. Any disclosure of education records will only be made in compliance with FERPA.

Religious Accommodation Policy

Per Tulane’s religious accommodation policy, every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that students are able to observe religious holidays without jeopardizing their ability to fulfill their academic obligations. Excused absences do not relieve the student from the responsibility for any coursework required during the period of absence. Students should notify their faculty within the first two weeks of the semester about their intent to observe any holidays that fall on a class day or on the day of the final exam.

Academic Calendar

The Program of Nursing academic calendar is built on a semester framework. Per academic year, there are three semesters - fall and spring and summer. The fall and spring semesters are 15 weeks long. The full summer session is 14 weeks. For details and dates, please refer to: https://registrar.tulane.edu/academic-calendars

Academic Standards and Procedures

Program of Nursing Admission Criteria Policy

To be considered for admission to the Nursing Program students must meet and successfully complete specific prerequisite program requirements and complete a Nursing Program application. After acceptance into the Nursing Program, but prior to starting courses, students must submit to a criminal history record information check and complete documentation of health information and immunizations. Link to the requirements: https://nextcatalog.tulane.edu/medicine/program-of-nursing/#newitemtext

Transfer Credit Policy

The Program of Nursing adheres to Tulane University policies and practices governing the transfer of college credits that are outlined by the School of Professional Advancement and the Tulane Office of Undergraduate Admissions for its prerequisite courses.

POLICY STATEMENT
As stated in the Program of Nursing Admission Criteria Policy, students may transfer up to 60 credit hours that fulfill Tulane University School of Professional Advancement core curriculum requirements and nursing major prerequisites. Nursing courses taken outside of the University may not be transferred for professional nursing program credit.
If a student has been terminated from a previous nursing program and is not eligible to continue at that school, the student will not be eligible to apply to the Tulane University BSN program for a period of seven (7) years from when they entered the previous nursing program.

POLICY RESOURCES
https://sopa.tulane.edu/admissions/student-transfers
https://admission.tulane.edu/transfer/credit
Program of Nursing Admission Criteria Policy

Progression Requirements Policy

Students will complete 60 credit hours of professional nursing coursework in 4 consecutive semesters following a prescribed program of study. Students in the nursing major may not register for any other courses.
POLICY STATEMENT
To be eligible to progress to successive courses in the nursing major, students must:
1. Obtain and maintain permission from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to progress into Clinical Practicum courses.

a. Complete the Louisiana State Board of Nursing Student License Application & Background Check (criminal history record information check).

2. Meet and maintain the University and Program of Nursing health and safety requirements. The PON follows the School of Medicine immunization requirements due to the nature of the students’ studies and clinical work.

a.   Complete documentation of health information and proof of immunization compliance will be provided to Campus Health.
b.   Students will be withdrawn from courses if they fail to meet the requirements outlined by Campus Health.
c.   Students are not allowed to progress in the nursing program until evidence of compliance is submitted.

3. Maintain continuous enrollment in the nursing curriculum plan.

a. Course Withdrawals and LOA

i.   Students who are voluntarily or involuntarily withdrawn from a nursing course are considered out of progression.
ii.   Based on the requirement that the theory course (NRSG xxxx) and the co-requisite practicum course (NRSG xxxx) are taken concurrently, a withdrawal in either the theory course or clinical course results in the student withdrawing from both courses.
iii.   Students who withdraw or request a Leave of Absence should refer to the Program of Nursing Withdrawal and Leave of Absence Policy.
iv.   A student who utilizes a partial medical withdrawal may repeat the course one time.

b. Quality of Work - Course Failures

i. Students who are unsuccessful in any single nursing course (earn a C-, or less than 73) will reach out to their program Academic Advisor for a modified program plan that follows course progression guidelines.
ii. Students who fail two different courses or the same course twice will be dismissed from the program.

c. Students receiving financial aid will also contact the Tulane Financial Aid Services. The PON follows Tulane University’s Student Academic Performance Policy and appeal process for Financial Aid.

POLICY RESOURCES
https://campushealth.tulane.edu/immunizations/new-students
https://campushealth.tulane.edu/for-you/school-of-medicine-students
Program of Nursing Withdrawal and Leave of Absence Policy
Student Academic Performance Policy
Program of Nursing Grievance and Appeals Policy

Withdrawal and LOA Policy

A student may be required to withdraw from the nursing program or from the university, temporarily or permanently, for any of the following reasons: personal, medical and/or psychological conditions that significantly impact their ability to complete their academic pursuits. In some circumstances, personal and medical leaves of absence from the University provide the student with an opportunity to remain a matriculated student while also allowing time away for appropriate treatment and recovery.

POLICY STATEMENT
This policy mirrors the Tulane University Policies for withdrawal and leave of absence. Personal and medical leaves require approval and are allowed for no longer than two consecutive semesters without reapplying for admission. Any student who wishes to request a withdrawal from all courses or a medical leave of absence from the Tulane Program of Nursing should begin by reaching out to their program Academic Advisor. The application procedure and impact will be discussed.

PROCEDURE
After meeting with their Nursing Program Academic Advisor, the student should attest to the
following:

•   I understand the academic repercussions for taking a medical leave.
•   The program requires that theory courses and the co-requisite practicum course are taken concurrently. A withdrawal in either the theory course or co-requisite practicum course results in the student withdrawing from both courses.
•   I know that if I am receiving financial aid or a scholarship, I will need to connect with the appropriate Financial Aid counselor.
•   I understand that I am responsible for getting the appropriate treatment while I am on leave, and that my readmission will be contingent on this treatment.
•   I understand that there is a process to petition to return from medical leave.

A withdrawal for personal reasons requires the approval of the Program of Nursing Dean’s Office and the School of Professional Advancement Dean’s office. A withdrawal for medical reasons from all courses requires an official letter of recommendation from a physician in the Campus Health Center and the approval of Program of Nursing Dean’s Office and the School of Professional Advancement Dean’s office, in addition to other requirements and/or approvals as outlined on Tulane’s web site pertaining to medical withdrawals. A partial medical withdrawal (from some but not all courses) after the published deadline for dropping a course may be permitted with supporting justification, the recommendation of the Campus Health Center and the approval of Program of Nursing Dean’s Office and the School of Professional Advancement Dean’s office.

The final deadline for medical withdrawals is the last day of classes each term. Requests for medical withdrawals should be made within the prescribed time periods/deadlines; requests for retroactive medical withdrawals are rare, evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and only granted upon showing of good cause for submitting the request after the deadline. Grades of W are assigned when a student withdraws for medical reasons after the Program of Nursing’s last day to drop without record.

The Nursing Program will require a medical clearance before a student can continue studies in a semester that begins after administrative action has been taken on behalf of the student for medical reasons.

Students should contact their Academic Advisor to return from medical leave.

Students who are allowed a one or two-semester leave of absence should submit a letter of intent to resume study at least eight weeks before the start of the semester in which they wish to return.

Any student returning to the university after more than one calendar year will be required to complete the degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Students who leave the Program without formal approval for a leave of absence must file an application for readmission.

Students who do not return to Tulane Nursing Program for a particular term and do not request a leave of absence by the deadline for doing so are not eligible to return without applying for readmission.

RELATED RESOURCE
School of Professional Advancement Catalog
https://advising.tulane.edu/resources/forms/leaveofabsence

Quality of Work Standard and Grade Grievance Policy

The Program of Nursing abides by the School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) Code of Academic Conduct except as stated below and related to specific quality of work standards as listed in the Program of Nursing Progression Requirements Policy.

POLICY STATEMENT
Failure to meet the quality of work standard listed in the Program of Nursing Progression Requirements policy is grounds for Dismissal.

Students who fail two different courses (earn a C-, or less than 73) or who fail the same course twice will be dismissed from the program.
Students who wish to dispute a grade shall be addressed as follows:

Appeals Process for Grades.

To Course Faculty: The student who disputes a grade should go first to the course faculty within one month of receiving the grade or evaluation to cause a complaint. If no resolution can be reached within seven (7) days, the appeal goes to the Program of Nursing (PON) Director of Curriculum & Academic Affairs.
To PON Director of Curriculum & Academic Affairs: At the instruction of the PON Director of Curriculum & Academic Affairs, a meeting will be called of the PON Student Professionalism Committee to consider the appeal.
To PON Student Professionalism Committee: Both student and teacher are invited to submit written statements of their opinions concerning the grievance. Both parties and all pertinent evidence will be heard. The Committee will make a recommendation to the PON Dean within ten (10) days of receiving the statements.
To PON Dean: The PON Dean may uphold, reverse, or return for further consideration, the committee’s findings within ten (10) days and communicate their decision in writing to all parties involved. The decision of the PON Dean is final.

POLICY RESOURCES
Program of Nursing Progression Requirements Policy.
SoPA Code of Academic Conduct

Probation

Any student who does not meet the minimum quality of work requirement, as stated in the Program of Nursing Progression Requirements policy, will be placed on academic probation. The status of probation lasts until it is removed as a result of academic improvement or ended by dismissal. Students who are placed on probation are notified in writing that their academic progress is insufficient.

Dismissal and Termination Policy

The Program of Nursing (PON) abides by Tulane University’s Code of Student Conduct and the and the School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) Code of Academic Conduct except as stated below and related to specific quality of work standards as listed in the Program of Nursing Progression Requirements Policy. The Program reserves the right to dismiss or terminate any student for cause.

POLICY STATEMENT

Failure to meet the quality of work standard listed in the Program of Nursing Progression Requirements Policy is grounds for Dismissal.
1. Students who fail two different courses (earn a C-, or less than 73) or fail the same course twice will be dismissed from the program.
Causes for dismissal or termination include, but are not limited to:
1. A student who violates Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) 46:XVII.3331 Denial or Delay of Licensure, Licensure by Endorsement, Reinstatement, or the Right to Practice Nursing as a Student Nurse. Specifically:
  1. A student will be denied the right to practice as a nursing student for infractions listed in 3331.A. and will be dismissed from the program.
  2. A student will be denied the right to practice nursing as a student nurse for up to five years for infractions listed in 3331.B., will be dismissed from the program, and is potentially eligible for readmission after five years.
  3. A student will be delayed in the ability to progress in the program for infractions listed in 3331.C., and will be placed on a Leave of Absence as described in the Program of Nursing Withdrawal and Leave of Absence Policy, or dismissed from the program.
2. Behaviors as noted in the Practicum Course Critical Incident Policy III.C.
3. Behaviors in Violation of the Program of Nursing Code of Professional Conduct.

POLICY RESOURCES
LAC 46:VXII.3331 in Rules and Regulations
PON Student Handbook
Progression Requirements Policy
Practicum Course Critical Incident Policy
Tulane University’s Code of Student Conduct

Reinstatement Policy

Refer to the Program of Nursing Withdrawal and Leave of Absence Policy.

Graduation Requirements Policy

Students are required to graduate at the end of the term in which all degree requirements are completed. Students must submit an application for degree in the semester in which they plan to graduate. This application must be completed with the student's program Academic Advisor. When students apply for their degree, their work is evaluated by the criteria in place at the start of their work toward that degree.

POLICY STATEMENT
A candidate for a baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) degree must meet the following graduation requirements:

A minimum of 120 credits earned.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.000.
All financial obligations to the University must be cleared before the Registrar will release a diploma or a transcript.

Graduation Ceremonies Policy

Ceremonies will be held for BSN students at the culmination of their degree requirements:

The commencement ceremony is held only in May. Students completing degree requirements in August or December may, however, participate in the ceremony held the following May. All graduates who will not attend the commencement ceremony should request, with their academic advisor, that their degree be awarded in absentia.
A Program of Nursing Pinning Ceremony will be held at the completion of each semester for students completing their BSN degree requirements.

POLICY RESOURCES
Tulane Commencement Procedure
SoPA Requirements for Graduation

Record Retention Policy

The Program of Nursing adheres to the Tulane University policy for retention of academic records as documented in the Tulane University Catalog.

POLICY STATEMENT

Student Records
1. Academic records, to include the application and final transcript, are kept by the University Registrar's Office and retained permanently.
2. Additional student records, to include terminal clinical evaluations from each course, and graduation forms, are kept in electronic storage in a password protected Box file or in a secure locked cabinet in the Program of Nursing and retained for eight years from the time of enrollment of that student.
Faculty Records
1. Faculty records shall be kept in electronic storage in a password protected Box file or in a secure locked cabinet in the Program of Nursing and shall comply with existing federal, state, and institutional requirements.

POLICY RESOURCES
https://catalog.tulane.edu/newcomb-tulane/#academicpoliciestext

Grading

Add/Drop Policy

The plan of attendance for the nursing curriculum is a set sequence of courses that spans the 4-semster program. Courses may not be added to any semester other than as identified in a student’s modified program plans. Students who wish to drop courses must consult with the nursing Academic Advisor or the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs.

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grades

Nursing students may not avail themselves of the satisfactory/unsatisfactory option for nursing courses.

Auditing Courses

Nursing students may not take a nursing course on an audit basis.

Incomplete Grade

An Incomplete grade, ‘I’, for the Program of Nursing is given only with the approval of the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs when extreme circumstances prevent a student from completing work assigned during the semester and with the understanding that the remaining work can be completed within 15 days.

An incomplete grade allows a maximum extension of 15 business days after the end of the term for the completion of the coursework. Students will work with their instructors to develop a plan and timeline to complete outstanding work and may not progress to subsequent clinical courses until the Incomplete grade is resolved successfully. If the work has not been submitted by the deadline, the incomplete grade is converted to an F. Extensions of the 15-day deadline may be requested in writing by the student and must be approved by the instructor and the Director of Curriculum and Academic affairs. Extensions are approved only when a student has made an attempt to complete the missing work within the original 15-day period but, in the view of the instructor and the director, has been prevented from completing the work by some special circumstance beyond the student's control. Extensions must be approved before the 15-day deadline expires; extensions are not approved retroactively.

Maximum Credits

Nursing major students in good academic standing are allowed to register for up to 15 credits per semester.

Course Grade Determination and Standard

The requirements for satisfactory completion of the nursing courses are clearly stated in each course syllabus along with the process of grade determination. The final course grade for many undergraduate clinical nursing courses consists of a theory grade and a clinical grade. In order to progress in the curriculum, the student must achieve a minimum of a “C” in the theoretical component and a “C” in the clinical component.

The theory grade is determined by specific criteria outlined in the course syllabus. Nursing courses use a variety of methods for evaluating student achievement of course objectives. Because the practice of nursing is dependent upon integrating knowledge throughout the course of study, the quizzes, exams, and other assessments include previously covered material.

Grades are calculated to the second decimal place (hundredths column). Only the final course average is rounded off to the nearest whole number. Only the first decimal place (tenths column) is rounded. For example, a final course average of 79.50 is rounded to 80. An average of 79.49 is not rounded to 80.

Registration, Tuition, and Financial Aid

Registration

SoPA students are governed by the registration policies and procedures set by the university. Consult the University Catalog Registration Policies and Procedures regarding the registration and confirmation process.

Students in the Program of Nursing will be registered for courses by the nursing Academic Advisor. Students with registration holds should clear them prior to the start of the semester.

Tuition and Fees Policy

Tulane University maintains all information regarding tuition and fees for the Program of Nursing at Home | Tulane School of Medicine Nursing Program.

If, for any reason, a student must repeat a course or courses or an entire semester due to academic deficiency, appropriate tuition and fees based on the academic year of repetition will be charged.

Financial Aid

The Program of Nursing students are well supported by the Tulane University Financial Aid Office.

The University Financial Aid Office maintains information regarding aid on their website in matters of understanding how financial aid works and in identifying the resources necessary to make education affordable. Students eligible for financial aid will be assigned an advisor in the financial aid office.

The Tulane University School of Medicine Financial Aid Office is located in the Tidewater Building, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 1213. You may phone Financial Aid at 504.988.6135.

Course Policies

Online Student Participation Policy

This policy aims to establish reasonable expectations for participation while recognizing the diverse circumstances of online learners. It provides clarity on assessments and communication channels, while allowing flexibility for individual situations.

Participation Definition:

Active participation includes, but is not limited to, contributions in discussion forums, engagement in live sessions, completion of assignments, and collaboration on group projects.
The expectation is that students engage with module content for a minimum of 3 hours per credit hour per week.

Participation Expectations:

Students are expected to engage in online activities per the syllabus, with meaningful and constructive contributions.
A minimum of three meaningful discussion board posts per week in discussion forums is required. The standard requirement is an initial post and two substantive peer replies posted on two separate days and following course due dates. Students must post on three separate days.
Attendance and participation in mandatory live sessions is required. For optional sessions, recordings will be made available for those unable to attend.
Students actively engage with module content weekly even if there is no graded content required or due for that week.

Communication:

Primary communication channels include discussion forums, emails through the Tulane email system and/or Canvas, and optional virtual office hours.
To support communication efficiency, Tulane email should be available and accessible on your mobile device, smart phone, and personal computer. Contact Tulane IT (504)988-8888 for assistance.
Instructors will respond to emails within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
Online course netiquette guidelines must be followed for respectful and inclusive communication.

Assessment:

Participation contributes to a percentage of the overall course grade as outlined in the course syllabus.
Grading will consider the quality, relevance, and frequency of contributions.
Grading rubrics will be provided for assessing participation.

Attendance:

Live session attendance is prescheduled and mandatory in some cases; attestation that recorded sessions were listened to will suffice in others. In case of unavoidable absence, students are expected to notify the instructor in advance.

Collaborative Activities:

Group work is an integral part of any course, and students are expected to actively contribute to group projects.
Clear expectations for individual and group responsibilities will be provided.

Acknowledgment:

By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by the online student participation policy.

Student Attendance Policy

Students enrolled in professional nursing courses are expected to attend all online synchronous classes, orientation meetings, exams, lab and clinical learning experiences. Should the need for an absence arise, students are expected to notify the course faculty prior to the scheduled event. All student absences will be reported to the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs.

Absences and Consequences

The accelerated and rigorous nature of this program necessitates attendance to practice as a nurse in Louisiana. Class, lab, and clinical practicum absences will be managed as described below (excluding proctored exams).

One absence in any course is at the student’s discretion.
1. Please note that it is recognized that students are adult learners and expected to exercise good judgement when determining the need for one synchronous class, lab, or clinical practicum absence.
2. A clinical practicum experience is defined as one scheduled 6–8-hour day. A scheduled 12-hour clinical practicum equates to two missed clinical days.
If a student is absent for an online synchronous class or meeting, repeating covered material or supplying a make-up assignment is solely at the discretion of the course faculty. Course faculty are not expected to reteach critical content.
If a student is absent for one lab or clinical practicum (including simulation experiences), the student is required to successfully complete an 8-hour, proctored, unfolding case study offered at the end of the semester.
If extenuating circumstances occur and a student is absent for a second lab or clinical practicum (including simulation experiences), the student must provide documentation supporting the absence and complete a mandatory, pre-scheduled make-up session or clinical experience that reflects the missed clock hours.
Please be advised that a third absence from any required lab or clinical practicum (including simulation experiences) will result in lab or clinical practicum failure and the requirement to repeat the failed course. Failing a course results in a modified program plan and delays graduation. Modified program plans are developed in collaboration with the Program Academic Advisor.
Tulane PON recognizes that there are various reasons for absences including untoward circumstances. All absences are cumulative and follow the above guidelines.

Untoward Circumstances

Some examples of untoward circumstances include but are not limited to significant illness or severe injuries, death of an immediate family member, or jury duty.

An absence due to significant illness or severe injury may require a provider’s note that the student is able to meet the PON Technical Standards to return to coursework.
In Louisiana, there are no exemptions for jury duty. However, students are expected to request a letter from the University to the judge requesting an exemption or reschedule due to their academic program.

Proctored Exams

Examinations are to be taken on the scheduled date and follow PON Testing Rules and Procedures.

Students reporting late for exams will only be permitted to utilize the time remaining for completion of the exam.
1. Late is defined as no more than 10 minutes after the exam start time, if and only if the first student has not completed the exam and exited the exam room.
Rescheduling of the missed exam will not be permitted except in emergencies and under extreme circumstances.
1. Only the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs can provide approval for the rescheduling of a missed exam. With approval, exam makeup will be arranged through the instructor and proctor.
2. Due to the rigor and accelerated nature of the Nursing Program, make-up exams are to be administered within five (5) business days of the missed exam; an alternate version of the exam will be administered.
3. An exam missed without prior faculty notification or without approval, results in a grade of zero (0).
4. Students are only permitted to miss, and make up, one proctored exam per semester across all courses.

Notification Procedures

Lab: If a student is unable to attend a scheduled lab or simulation experience, students must notify the respective faculty by phone and provide written notification via Canvas Email or Teams prior to the start of the lab experience. If unable to contact the Course Faculty, then contact the Program site.
Clinical Practicum: If a student is unable to attend a clinical practicum (including simulation experiences), students must notify the respective clinical faculty by phone and provide written notification via Canvas Email or Teams as soon as possible but prior to the start of the clinical practicum.
Exams: Should circumstances occur at the time of any scheduled examination, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the course faculty and the Program site prior to the examination.
All student absences will be reported to the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs.

Class/Practicum Cancellation

Hybrid online courses are rarely canceled due to weather; plan ahead so that deadlines and due dates are met. In the event that an exam needs to be rescheduled due to a university closure, the Program of Nursing will utilize the weekend dates designated for makeup each year. These dates may be found in the Academic Calendar.

Practicum/clinical experiences are canceled when weather conditions are such that it is not safe to have students and faculty to travel to or from clinical agencies. There will be no practicum if classes are cancelled on campus.

Procedure:

Obtain contact information for students, faculty members, and clinical facilities. Each faculty person should keep a copy of these listings and is responsible for contacting their students as soon as possible.
When considering the cancellation of any practicum/clinical experience, the faculty member will confer with the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs who will make the final decision.
If weather conditions change while students are at clinical facilities, the faculty person may decide to conclude the practicum/clinical at an earlier hour and will notify the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs.
Alternative learning experiences will be completed in the event of practicum/clinical cancellations.

Student/Faculty Expectations for Online/Hybrid Coursework

It is important to be aware of your behavior in an online learning environment to ensure positive interactions with your instructor and peers. This requires you to follow some guidelines for behaviors.

Online Course Netiquette

Netiquette, a social code that defines “good” online behavior is something to keep in mind during your online course interactions. Online may be the only means of communication you have with classmates and instructors, so it is especially important to do this effectively. Follow the guidelines below to leave your mark as a knowledgeable, respectful and polite student who is also positioned to succeed professionally.

Be Professional:
Do: Always represent yourself well. Be fully and appropriately clothed. Be truthful, accurate and run a final spell check. Treat online meetings with professionalism (dress appropriately, use your webcam, be in a quiet place without distractions, be respectful of others time/effort).
Avoid: Entering an online meeting in public places or partially clothed. Avoid consuming a meal during meeting times. Limit the use of slang and/or emoticons. Avoid using profanity or participating in hostile interactions.

Be Scholarly:
Do: Use proper language, grammar and spelling. Be explanatory and justify your opinions. Ask for clarification. Try to find the answer before asking for help. Credit the ideas of others through citing and linking to scholarly resources.
Avoid: Misinforming others when you may not know the answer. If you are guessing about something, clearly state that you do not know the answer.

Be Respectful:
Do: Respect privacy, diversity and opinions of others. Communicate tactfully and base disagreements on scholarly ideas or research evidence.
Avoid: Sharing another person's professional or personal information.

Be Polite:
Do: Address others by name or appropriate title and be mindful of your tone. Treat people as if you were in a face-to-face situation. Use respectful greetings and signatures, full sentences and the same “please” and “thank you” you use in real life.
Avoid: Using sarcasm, being rude or writing in all capital letters. Written words can be easily misinterpreted as they lack nonverbals.

Late Assignments

Students enrolled in professional nursing courses are expected to turn in all assignments, homework, case studies, care maps, and discussion board posts and replies on or before the scheduled due date.

In the event of an unexpected situation, students who notify their course or clinical instructor before the due date may be granted a 24-hour extension for submitting assignments, excluding quizzes and proctored exams.
1. This allowance can be utilized up to two times per course, applicable to both initial discussion posts and responses.
  1. In instances where a student is unable to participate in a discussion post assignment before the closure of the discussion board, the student will be required to complete an alternative assignment. The alternative assignment will be of comparable effort and intellectual engagement as the original discussion post and designed to meet the same learning outcomes.
2. Assignments submitted after the 24-hour extension will incur a 5% penalty per day for up to three days (72 hours). Beyond this period, a grade of zero will be assigned.
In the event of an unexpected situation, the student who fails to notify the course or clinical faculty before the scheduled due date must submit written notification to the faculty with a copy to the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs within 24 hours of the due date.
1. Failure to provide written notification within 24 hours of the due date will receive a zero.
2. The student will receive an automatic 5% deduction for each day the assignment is late up to three total days (72 hours). After 72-hours, from the time that the assignment was due, the student will receive a zero (0) for the assignment.

Testing Policies

Proctored Exam Settings

Randomization:

Exams will be randomized.
Questions will be placed into categories with question sets (several questions that pertain to the same scenario) and the questions will be randomized within that category or set.
When questions build upon one another, case study information will be repeated with each question that relates to that information and randomized with all test questions.

One Question at a Time:

Exams will be presented one question at a time to minimize potential exam security issues and allow each question to be saved when completed.

Back-tracking:

Back-tracking is permitted.
Students will be permitted to skip a question without answering it, or flag it, and return at their convenience.
Students may review the exam in its entirety before submitting it.

Multiple Select (all or none):

Partial/penalty (aligns with Next Generation NCLEX scoring): Students will earn corresponding points for correct answers but will lose corresponding points for an incorrect answer. The total score for a multi-point item is the sum of all positive and negative points. While mathematically you could have a negative score, it gets rounded to 0/no credit.

Testing Room Rules and Procedures

The following rules are to maintain a secure, proctored testing environment.

Students are asked to use the restroom prior to the start of the exam.
Students should not enter the computer lab until the proctor opens the doors to begin the test.
1. Proctors will keep the door closed until 10-minutes before the start time to allow students to enter.
2. Students will enter, sign their name on the sign-in sheet, and proceed to their assigned Chromebook.
3. Students must show photo ID at time of sign-in.
Students reporting late for exams will only be permitted to utilize the time remaining for completion of the exam.
1. Late is defined as no more than 10 minutes after the exam start time, if and only if the first student has not completed the exam and exited the exam room.
Proctored exams will be taken on provided Chromebooks unless there is a specific accommodation that has been requested through the appropriate university channels prior to testing, or there is a disruption that requires testing to be delivered in another format (power outage, etc.).
1. In the situation of computer malfunction, the proctor will print the tests on paper and follow the prescribed Paper Testing Procedure.
If applicable, specific directions will be announced, such as seating arrangements, passwords, completion of the answer sheets, etc.
All personal belongings (backpacks, bags, coats/jackets, cell phones, etc.) must be stored in student lockers away from the testing area, without exception. Locks are recommended to protect valuables.
1. Food or drinks are not permitted.
2. Cell phones or other electronic devices (including smartwatches) are not permitted in the testing room. These devices must be turned OFF or set to airplane mode during testing.
3. Bulky jackets or coats should be removed and placed with the student’s belongings.
4. Hats of any kind are not permitted.
5. Hoods (including hooded sweatshirts), scarves, or other similar clothing/accessories are not permitted.
6. Students should dress appropriately for the temperature of the building, so as to avoid needing a bulky jacket, coat, or hat.
7. Students may utilize site provided foam earplugs.
Pencils, scrap paper, and calculators will be provided. Students are not permitted to use their own pencils, scrap paper, or calculators. All scrap paper (whether used or not) is to be turned in to proctor at end of test. No mechanical pencils will be allowed.
Students are not permitted to leave the testing room once the test has started. Individual emergency issues will be handled on an individual basis.
A proctor will be present in person, accompanied by a course faculty member (in person or remote), and will not answer any content related questions during the test, and may answer:
1. Questions about the testing process and associated rules.
2. Questions about spelling errors, misnumbering/lettering, technical test errors, etc.
Once the student has completed the test, all calculators, pencils and mice must be returned to their original places. Scrap paper (used or un-used) must be given to the proctor. The student then must leave the test room immediately.
Out of courtesy to other students still testing, the student should exit the testing environment quietly and should not congregate in the hallways outside of the testing room. Talking is very distracting to those who are still testing.
Students are not under any circumstances to discuss the exam or its contents until all students have completed testing (including any students who schedule a makeup exam). Students are bound by the university policies related to academic integrity.

Missed Exams Policy

Rescheduling of the missed exam will not be permitted except in emergencies and under extreme circumstances.

Should circumstances occur at the time of any scheduled examination, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the course faculty and the Program site prior to the examination.
Only the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs can provide approval for the rescheduling of a missed exam.
1. With written approval, exam makeup will be arranged through the instructor and proctor.
Due to the rigor and accelerated nature of the Nursing Program, make-up exams are to be scheduled and administered within five (5) business days of the missed exam.
1. An alternate version of the missed exam will be administered.
2. Testing room rules and procedures will be followed.
An exam missed without prior faculty notification or without approval, results in a grade of zero (0).
Students are only permitted to miss, and make up, one proctored exam per semester across all courses.
All student absences will be reported to the Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs.

Paper Testing Procedure

The following procedure will be used in the event that a network is down, there is a power outage, or other unforeseen circumstances require students to test on paper instead of using the online platform.

Proctor will print a copy of the exam and bubble sheet for each student.
Students will be given a copy of the exam and bubble sheet to fill in their answers.
Proctor will notify students of the following:
1. Students must write their name on both the bubble sheet and exam (for tracking).
2. Students will record their answers on the bubble sheet.
  1. Answers on the bubble sheet will be the only answers accepted for grading purposes.
All entered exam answers will be audited by the Course Faculty.
The instructor will conduct all analyses and make any grading adjustments needed using Chi Tester.

Exam Scoring and Review Policy

Exam Scoring:

Exam scores will not be released until the course faculty analyze the exam.
1. Analysis will be accomplished within 48 hours of exam completion.

Exam Review:

A conceptual exam review will be scheduled by course faculty following all proctored exams and within one week of exam completion.
Individual student performance and specific test questions will not be discussed.
Students who wish to review their individual exam may submit a formal request to course faculty & proctor, within one week of completing their exam.
1. Upon receipt of the student’s request, the proctor will schedule 15 – 30 minutes for exam reviews to occur between 2-7 days following the completion of the exam, with course faculty.
2. Students will return to the testing room to review ONLY the questions they answered incorrectly.
3. Faculty will be present in-person or virtually to provide rationale.

CLINICAL AND PRACTICUM POLICIES

Professional Attire and Behavior

General Expectations

Students are expected to abide by the Program of Nursing’s professional attire and behavior policy and maintain a professional and business-like appearance while in all clinical areas, lab and simulation experiences. Patients expect that nurses will be dressed professionally. Professional attire inspires confidence among patients and helps to reinforce the nurse-patient bond.

Cell phones should be put on “vibrate or silent” and are not to be used in patient rooms or patient care areas. Practice good oral hygiene prior to attending practicum and lab. Gum chewing during the practicum, especially when talking with patients, is strictly prohibited. Students should remember that they are guests in the clinical organization and behave in a courteous and respectful, professional manner.

Hair

Hair must be clean, groomed, and secured off the face and above the collar, such that it cannot be grabbed by or touch a patient. Hair clips, pins, or headbands should be flat, inconspicuous and for the purpose of keeping the hair contained and may be brown, black, silver, or gold in color. Hats, caps, do-rags, skullcaps, stocking caps and or other headgear are not permitted. Hair ornamentation such as bows, ribbons, or cloth bandanas are not permitted. Head coverings worn for sincerely held cultural or religious beliefs may be permitted; they are not permitted for social or fashion reasons.

Facial hair should be neatly trimmed and follow CDC guidelines to fit entirely under a respirator mask without breaking the seal.

Jewelry, Piercings, and Body Art

One small stud in each earlobe is acceptable. No dangling earrings, bars, discs, or gauges are permitted. Necklaces and lanyards can pose a safety risk and are not permitted. Bracelets and rings interfere with proper gloving or glove integrity and are not permitted.

Facial piercings and tongue rings are also not permitted. Items placed on teeth, that are not required for dental or medical reasons, are not permitted.
Body art should not be visible; cover tattoos during clinical practicum experiences.

Fingernails

Fingernails must be clean, trimmed and neat and should not interfere with skill performance. No artificial, gel, acrylic extensions or fingernail jewelry is permitted. Polish, if worn, must be in good repair without cracks or chips. Clear polish is preferable however, some institutions do not permit any type of nail polish to be worn when caring for patients.

Footwear

Shoes must be clean, white, closed-toe, flat, and made of a sturdy material that will not absorb body fluids or potentially hazardous materials. Clogs, open toe, or fabric shoes are not permitted. Hose or socks should be worn with uniform shoes.
Shoes should be dedicated for clinical experiences, and maintained in a clean, professional condition.

Scents

While bathing is required and deodorant/antiperspirant recommended, students should avoid scented personal hygiene products such as hairspray, deodorant, body lotion, aftershave, or perfume. Patients and/or family members with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities may respond with an allergic response.

Students should refrain from smoking prior to clinical experiences to avoid a smoke odor on their clothes that may trigger an allergic response from patients and/or family members.

Uniforms and Watches

Students will wear the Program of Nursing’s approved white scrub top and Tulane green pants, or scrub skirts. Uniforms are to be laundered after each use.
A wristwatch with a “second” hand is required. No digital dials. Watch bands should be a neutral color and able to be cleaned. Smart watches (i.e. Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, Pebble) and designer fashion watches are not permitted in clinical settings.

Accommodations to certain uniform requirements (for example, regarding head coverings) may be requested based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Requests for accommodations for religious reasons should be submitted to the Program of Nursing, Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs.

Health and Safety Requirements

Immunizations

The State of Louisiana and Tulane University require students to have proof of immunity for certain diseases. All students are required to provide proof of immunization prior to arriving at Tulane. See https://campushealth.tulane.edu/immunizations/new-students for details and forms.

Additionally, after acceptance into the Program of Nursing Program and before starting courses, students must submit evidence of the following required immunizations. **Please note: some immunizations that are ‘recommended’ by the university are ‘required’ by the Program of Nursing for personal and patient safety.

All Program of Nursing immunization requirements will be tracked for verification and compliance through Complio.

Proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella (defined as a series of two MMR vaccines with complete dates OR positive titers to all three diseases).
Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) must remain current for the duration of the program.
Meningococcal (Meningitis) Vaccine.
Proof of immunity against varicella (defined as a series of two Varicella vaccines with complete dates OR a positive antibody test documenting immunity to Varicella).
Proof of immunity against Hepatitis B, (defined as a series of three Hepatitis B vaccines and positive Hep B Surface antibody testing results post-vaccine administration). If no response to the primary series, the vaccine series and follow-up Hep B Surface antibody test will be repeated.
Two negative tuberculin skin tests (TST) one within the past year (a negative serologic test may substitute for the yearly TST); if TST positive, a negative chest X-ray report within the previous three (3) months is required.
Proof of current seasonal influenza immunization. Campus Health offers no-cost flu shots on campus each fall (generally beginning in October) via our annual flu clinics. For incoming students, if you received the flu shot during the previous flu season, please upload proof of your vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine or waiver form.
Students who are opting out of any of the required vaccines for medical, religious or personal reasons must submit a waiver form online via the Campus Health Patient Portal. For each required vaccine a student wishes to opt out of, a separate waiver form submission is required. These waiver forms can be found by logging on to the Patient Portal, clicking on the Forms tab and scrolling down to the Immunization Waivers section.

Please note that students who opt out of new immunizations are still required to submit records of any immunizations they have received in the past.

Students who fail to provide required evidence of clinical compliance as listed above will not be allowed to enter clinical nor remain enrolled in any clinical course. Failure to renew health requirements that are expired during the semester will prevent the student’s participation in clinical activities, which will constitute an absence.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Regulations and Training

Patient information must remain confidential. To ensure proper confidentiality, the federal government enacted HIPAA legislation. HIPAA training is mandatory for all nursing students and must be updated annually. Training is offered online via Canvas and is documented by the Office of General Counsel. HIPAA training can be accessed by logging in using your Tulane credentials. Students will also receive an email regarding the course once assigned.

Universal Precautions Training

Universal Precautions as an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and body fluids as if they contain bloodborne pathogens. Blood-borne pathogen (BBP) training is mandatory for all nursing students and must be updated annually. Training is offered online via Canvas and is documented by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. BBP training can be accessed by logging in using your Tulane credentials. Students will also receive an email regarding the course once assigned.

Blood-Borne Pathogen Exposure Policy

All students who have been admitted to Tulane University are required to provide proof of immunization compliance that meets Louisiana law, CDC, and American College Health Association guidelines. The Tulane Program of Nursing informs nursing students of policies and procedures to prevent and address accidental exposure to blood-borne pathogens before students undertake any educational activities that would place them at risk.

POLICY STATEMENT
Tulane Program of Nursing adheres to the policies of Tulane University’s Campus Health in the event of a student’s accidental exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens (on or off campus).

DEFINITIONS
Accidental Exposure: An exposure can be defined as a percutaneous injury (e.g., needlestick or cut with a sharp object), or contact of eye, mouth, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin (e.g., exposed skin that is chapped, abraded, or with dermatitis) with blood, saliva, tissue, amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural/pericardial/synovial/peritoneal fluid, semen, vaginal secretions, or any other potentially infectious body fluids.

Blood-borne pathogens: Infectious agents including, but not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

PROCEDURE

What to Do if Exposed to Blood/Bodily Fluids:
1. students should report any exposure to their nursing clinical faculty and preceptor (for precepted experiences), as well as the Nursing Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs.
2. If the exposure occurs during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), call the Health Center Downtown at 504-988-6929.
3. If the exposure occurs at any other time (holidays, weekends, evenings, etc.), call the Nurse Advice Line at 504-862-8121.
Immediately After Exposure
1. Wash the affected area.
2. For an eye or mucous membrane exposure, flush the exposed area with water for five minutes.
3. For skin exposure or an injury with "sharps", wash the area for five minutes with water and antimicrobial soap (ex: Hibiclens or Betadine).
Download the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Packet from: https://campushealth.tulane.edu/emergency/bloodborne-pathogens
Print and complete all the forms included in the packet:
1. Provider Checklist
2. Student Checklist
3. Supervisor/Faculty Checklist
4. Occupational Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens Management Algorithm
5. Needlestick & Sharp Object Injury Report Form
Notify the Health Center:
1. If the exposure occurs during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), call the Health Center Downtown at 504-988-6929.
2. If the exposure occurs at any other time (holidays, weekends, evenings, etc.), call the Nurse Advice Line at 504-862-8121.

RELATED RESOURCES
Tulane University Campus Health: https://campushealth.tulane.edu/emergency
TUSOM Medical Student Handbook: Published by the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs Revised November 2020

Exposure to Environmental Hazards Policy

POLICY STATEMENT
Tulane University Program of Nursing informs nursing students of policies and procedures to address exposure to infectious and environmental hazards before students undertake any educational activities that would place them at risk. Nursing students are educated about the methods of prevention, procedures for care and treatment after exposure, including a definition of financial responsibility.

DEFINITION OF ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE
An exposure can be defined as a percutaneous injury (e.g., needlestick or cut with a sharp object), contact of eye, mouth or other mucous membrane or non-intact skin (e.g., exposed skin that is chapped, abraded, or with dermatitis) with blood, saliva, tissue, or other body fluids that are potentially infectious. Exposure incidents place health care personnel at risk of diseases caused by a range of pathogens including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, Covid-19 and therefore should be evaluated according to protocol by a qualified health care professional.

Nursing students must immediately call the Student Health Center (located in the Elks Building) if exposed. During business hours, students should call 504.988.6929. During afterhours or weekends – students should call the Nurse Advice Line at 1.855.487.0290. During business hours, the student will either be scheduled a same day visit or a phone consultation with one of the physicians or nurses. After hours, the call will be directed to an all-call health care provider. Students also should report any exposure to their course faculty or clinical preceptor.

Drug Screening

The Program of Nursing conforms with and upholds all federal, state and local laws that regulate or prohibit possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs. This policy reflects additional requirements for health care professionals to report suspected impairment and requires all nursing students to submit to a urine drug screen following acceptance into the program.

The use of certain drugs for “recreational” purposes is illegal and can have devastating consequences for you professionally. The Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) has strict rules and regulations in the Professional and Occupations Standards for Nurses (LAC 46: XVLII.3331). related to the Denial or Delay of Licensure, Reinstatement, or the Right to Practice Nursing as a Student Nurse and to determine eligibility for approval for clinical and licensure in Louisiana.

The LSBN clearly states, “Applicants for…the right to practice as a student nurse shall be denied approval to enter or progress into any clinical nursing course… if the applicant has pled guilty, nolo contendere or been convicted of a crime involving the production, manufacturing, distribution or dispensing of a controlled dangerous substance… possession of marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, heroin…”

It is unacceptable for medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel to attend to patient care or other professional duties while under the influence of alcohol or any of the drugs mentioned above. It is the policy of the Program of Nursing to prohibit the use, abuse and presence of alcohol, illegal or unauthorized drugs, and other dangerous substances in the bodies of its nursing students while on duty engaged in any course, classroom, laboratory, and/or clinical setting.

The Program of Nursing will require a urine drug screen for all program-enrolled nursing students following their acceptance into the program, randomly, and for reasonable suspicion for cause. Students who fail to successfully complete their initial drug screen one week prior to the first day of classes will have a hold placed on their account and may be dropped from their nursing courses. The hold will be lifted when drug test results are available and cleared.

Reasonable Suspicion Testing or “For Cause” – any student may be tested who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs where the suspicion is based on, but not limited to, any of the following:

Observable behavior or physical symptoms such as staggered gait, slurred speech, glassy, blood shot eyes, body odors or unkempt appearance, and unsatisfactory work performance.
A pattern of inappropriate, abnormal or erratic behavior.
Reliable objective information/observation from independent sources.
Evidence of drug tampering or misappropriation.
Arrest or conviction of a drug/alcohol related offense.
Being identified as the subject of a criminal investigation regarding drugs. Patterns of absenteeism or tardiness without explanation.

In the case of a positive drug test indicating use of a prescription medication:

The student will be given 48 hours to produce a valid prescription for the medication to the drug screening facility.
If the issue is not resolved in 5 business days, the student is subject to disciplinary action through procedures outlined in the Tulane University Code of Student Conduct and the Program of Nursing Code of Professional Conduct, up to and including dismissal from the program.
1. Please note: Pre-licensure students must comply with LSBN requirements for disclosure of medical conditions and prescriptions.
2. Disciplinary action may still apply regardless of validation of a prescription based on professional behavior and/or patient safety concerns.

In the case of a positive drug test for illegal drug usage or misuse of prescription drugs:

The student may be subject to disciplinary action through procedures outlined in the Tulane University Code of Student Conduct and the Program of Nursing Code of Professional Conduct, up to and including dismissal from the program.
Any student admitted who tests positive for illegal or illicit use of drugs must withdraw from all nursing courses and will be reported to LSBN. They can reapply for progression after being approved to progress by the LSBN and upon completion of the recommended course of treatment by a licensed healthcare professional.
Any student with an inconclusive drug screening result will be required to undergo further confirmatory testing. Students who refuse further testing or who fail to comply with stipulations of LSBN concerning treatment/monitoring will not be allowed progression in clinical coursework.

Laboratory Supply Packs

Each nursing student is required to have a standardized supply pack containing essential items, approved by the nursing program faculty, necessary to practice clinical skills in the lab and at home to gain competence. Nursing supply packs are purchased as a course fee in NRSG 3205: Foundations of Nursing Practice Practicum/LAB and are supplied by the Program of Nursing. The following parameters govern the handling and usage of nursing supply packs.

1. Nursing students must bring their supply pack to the lab each day.

2. Nursing students must use the supplies from their designated packs responsibly and solely for educational purposes.

3. No invasive procedure should be performed outside of the Skills Lab or on another person.

a. Invasive procedures include, but are not limited to, injections, IV insertion, infusing of IV fluids, medication administration, foley catheterization, and nasogastric tube or feeding tube insertion.

4. Practice medications and IV fluids are intended for simulation/skills lab experiences only. Practice oral medications, IM and IV fluids are not for human use.

5. All needles given in the skills pack must be disposed of in sharps boxes provided in the Skills Lab. If the needle has a safety device, please engage the device before placing the needle in the sharps box.

6. Proper hand hygiene and disposal of used items must be followed as per established guidelines.

Nursing Skills and Simulation Laboratory Safety Policy

The Nursing skills and simulation labs provide the clinical nursing student with opportunities for practicing and being evaluated in real-time on skills used in clinical practice. There will be opportunities to work with students from other disciplines to learn the roles and responsibilities of the healthcare team and discuss how values and ethics influence healthcare and healthcare providers.

The complexity of the physical and psychological learning environment may increase the anxiety of the student(s) which may then lead to the possibility of physical injury or increased emotional stress affecting the acquisition of knowledge.

POLICY STATEMENT
The physical lab environment includes real-life mannequin simulators and accessories, electrical appliances, supply cabinets, adjustable beds, mobility assistive devices, and a variety of task training equipment including needles and sharps commonly found in clinical practice. The learning environment also includes procedures and scenarios intended to replicate clinical practice which conceivably can be mentally and emotionally taxing. To reduce the potential for physical injury, undo stress, anxiety, or emotional distress related to the lab environment and learning activities, students will attend to the following lab procedures and safety management protocols.

PROCEDURE
Lab hours will be determined and scheduled at the beginning of the semester by faculty members involved in the various clinical courses.

Professional behavior is always expected in the Nursing skills and simulation labs by all users. Students are expected to abide by the Nursing Professional Attire and Behavior and the Tulane Student Code of Conduct, including:

Students are required to wear a Tulane University student name badge at all times when in the laboratory practicum and during any aspect of the clinical experience (i.e. clinical assignment, observation, simulation, and clinical day).
When on campus for scheduled laboratory practicum and simulation days, students must wear the designated Tulane University Nursing uniform. Shoes must have closed toes and heels, with soles not thicker than 2 inches. Hair, makeup, and jewelry are to follow the Nursing Professional Attire and Behavior requirements.
No smoking, eating, or drinking is allowed in the labs.

Mannequins must be handled with the same respect given to humans and kept appropriately draped at all times.

Lab supplies and equipment are not for use on humans. Supplies and equipment are for use on mannequins only.

Clean all supplies and equipment after every use.
Return supplies and equipment to the proper location after each use. Leave beds neatly made and in the low, locked position with top rails up. Place trash & soiled linen in the proper receptacles.
Immediately report broken equipment to the faculty or the lab technician.

Nursing skills and simulation lab users should follow universal precautions against infectious disease while participating in clinical activities. The following is a list of general precautions to ensure the personal safety and security of users:

All sharps must be disposed of in an appropriately labeled sharps container.
Under no circumstances may sharps or supplies be removed from Nursing skills and simulation labs without permission.
The medical and disposable equipment within the labs will remain in the labs and is not for patient use.
All equipment should be treated with the same safety precautions employed with actual clinical equipment.
Hand hygiene through hand washing or use of hand sanitizers shall be part of practice in the Nursing skills and simulation labs.
All needle stick/sharp injuries shall be handled in accordance with the Blood Borne Pathogen Policy. If an injury occurs, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Nursing skills and simulation labs experiences may cause students to feel stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. In the event of anxiety or emotional distress:
1. Immediately notify lab faculty who will assist the student.
2. In the event of a true medical emergency such as loss of consciousness, call: Downtown Campus: 504-988-5555.
3. Further guidance and resources are available at Campus Health https://campushealth.tulane.edu/emergency

RELATED RESOURCES
Tulane University Campus Health: https://campushealth.tulane.edu/emergency
Tulane University Code of Student Conduct Handbook

Practicum Course Critical Incident Policy

Students are responsible and accountable for their behavior and for safe patient care during all clinical experiences.

POLICY STATEMENT
Any student whose behavior demonstrates unsafe clinical practice or endangers a patient, colleague, or self in the clinical setting will be suspended immediately from the clinical learning experience. The faculty of record will meet with the student to discuss the unsafe behavior and potential complications, and a document of concern will be filed. Unsafe behavior can result in removal from the clinical setting, failure of the course and/or dismissal from the School of Nursing. Faculty of record will meet with the student to discuss the behavior, document the incident to be filed in the student’s record, and initiate appropriate action including notification of the Program of Nursing Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs.

PROCEDURE
Patterns of behavior that are inconsistent with the Nursing Program and/or clinical agency policies may result in removal from the clinical setting. Behaviors include but are not limited to:

Absence from clinical rotation without notification.
Documentation not reflective of care given.
Lack of preparation to provide care, including, but not limited to knowledge of medications, treatments, disease processes.
Performance not in compliance with stated student expectations as outlined in clinical course syllabi.
Leaving the clinical area without consent of the clinical faculty member.
Failing to use universal precautions.

The following unprofessional or unsafe behaviors will result in removal from the clinical setting. The student may be referred to the Nursing Program Student Professionalism Committee to determine appropriate consequences.

Acting improperly towards patients, supervisors, and/or peers.
Disrespect for faculty, patients, supervisors and/or peers.
Violating HIPAA requirements and regulations.
Performing a procedure outside the nursing scope of practice.
Performing a procedure in which he/she has not been prepared.
Administering medications in any form via any route without consent and/or supervision from the clinical instructor or the staff RN.
Failure to use safety equipment (including, but not limited to side rails, call lights, gait belt)
Behavior inconsistent with the American Nurses’ Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses include but are not limited to:
1. Informing patients about their diagnosis, treatment, and/or prognosis without authorization.
2. Removing copies of patient care material from health care agencies.
3. Removal of patient identification.
4. Refusal of the care of a client or failure to notify the instructor of the inability to carry out a clinical assignment.

In addition to behaviors that violate Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) 46:XVII.3331, the following unsafe behaviors will result in immediate failure from the course and may result in dismissal from the program:

Disconnecting life support system without authority.
Lying about provisions of care in speech or in writing.
Stealing drugs or supplies from agency.
Obvious signs of being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, and extreme fatigue while on duty.
Knowingly exposing patients, colleagues, and others to actual or potential life-threatening communicable diseases.

POLICY RESOURCES
       HIPAA Privacy Rules
       ANA Code of Ethics
       LAC 46:XVII.3331 in Rules and Regulations

Students seeking admission to the Program of Nursing must satisfy the School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) undergraduate core curriculum requirements and nursing major prerequisite requirements. Applicants with up to 60 credit hours of coursework who have not yet earned a degree, those with a prior associate degree, and those with a prior bachelor's degree are all eligible to be considered for admission. The program recognizes the prior academic work of applicants and transfers course credit where SoPA or nursing prerequisite course equivalency has been established.

There is no time limit for coursework that satisfies the SoPA core curriculum requirements. Prerequisite courses specific to the nursing major must be completed within 7 years of application to the program.

Professional Nursing courses taken at another institution are not accepted for transfer credit.

Nursing Major Prerequisite Requirements

A cumulative transfer GPA of 3.0 is required. Additionally, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for the nursing major prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better in any one course. The nursing major prerequisite courses must be completed within seven years of application to the nursing program and are:

Nutrition (3CR)
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Statistics (3CR)
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Developmental Psychology (3CR)
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Anatomy & Physiology 1 w/lab (4CR)
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Anatomy & Physiology 2 w/lab (4CR)
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Microbiology w/lab (4CR)
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Chemistry w/lab (4CR)
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Program of Nursing Admission Criteria Policy

Qualified applicants shall be considered for admission without discrimination and in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

The following are Program of Nursing application requirements:

Complete an application.
Submit an Admission Video: Applicants are required to submit a 2-minute admission video as part of the application packet. This video is an opportunity for you to share your story. The video must:
1. Be no more than 2-minutes long and uploaded to Slate as part of the application. Expectations:
  - Attire and grooming are professional, no graphic t-shirts, exercise clothes, or ball caps.
  - Have suitable lighting.
  - Show your entire face.
2. Answer these questions:
- What characteristics do you possess that will make you a good candidate for the Tulane Nursing program?
- Provide an example of when you demonstrated your leadership qualities.
- How will you balance the demands of this 16-month program with the other demands in your life?

3. Technical Standards: The Technical Standards are accessed via a link in the application and found in the Student Handbook. Applicants digitally sign that they have read, understand, and meet the Nursing Program’s Technical Standards.

4. English Language Proficiency: If an applicant’s degree is from an institution outside of the United States where English is not the primary language, they must take the TOEFL or Duolingo English test for admission. Use college code #6832. These tests measure your ability to use and understand English at the university level. A score 100 or higher on TOEFL or 130 or higher on the Duolingo English Test is expected. Applicant’s may request an exemption from one of these tests.

5. Coursework from Foreign Universities: Coursework from foreign universities will be referred to the World Education Services (WES) for evaluation and translation, if necessary. Transfer of credit from colleges or universities not belonging to an institutional accrediting body are not accepted. All submitted materials must be in the English language.

6. Outstanding Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants can be considered for conditional admission to the nursing program when they have no more than 3 core curriculum or Nursing Major prerequisite courses remaining to be completed. Only 1 of the 3 courses can be a nursing major prerequisite science course. Admission is conditional until the applicant successfully completes and achieves the required GPA in the remaining courses.

After Acceptance into the Nursing Program, but Prior to Starting Courses, students will receive a Welcome Letter explaining the procedure for the items below.

Complete a Louisiana State Board of Nursing Student License Application & Background Check (criminal history record information check):

The Nurse Practice Act of Louisiana requires that students must be approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) to practice as student nurses prior to enrolling in clinical nursing courses. The LSBN requires persons who have been arrested, charged with, or convicted of any criminal offense in any state to petition the Louisiana State Board in writing for the right to practice as a student in Louisiana. The LSBN also requires persons who have any addiction or impairment which may affect their ability to practice nursing to petition for the right to practice as a student prior to enrolling in a clinical nursing course. The Application for Approval to Enroll in a Clinical Nursing Course form is provided to the student upon admission to the nursing program. Students shall not be eligible to enroll in a clinical nursing course based on evidence of grounds for denial of licensure in accordance with R.S. 37:921, LAC 46:XLVII.3324, 3331 and 3403.

Students must submit to a criminal background check and urine drug screen per LSBN requirements. Information on the procedure for completing these items is provided to students upon admission to the nursing program. Final program acceptance may be contingent upon results and is contingent upon LSBN approval.

2. Complete documentation of required health information.

Degree Requirements

School of Professional Advancement Requirements

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Program of Nursing Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
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- SoPA Core Curriculum Requirements for Nursing Students
- Nursing Major Prerequisite Requirements

School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) Requirements

Undergraduate degrees offered at SoPA fulfill the mission of the school by providing students with high quality, distinctive education across a range of disciplines, along with applied skills, as relevant to their area(s) of study. As part of their undergraduate education at SoPA, students must demonstrate proficiency in writing, quantitative reasoning, and a foreign language or global perspectives. Students must also show distribution of knowledge by completing coursework in humanities, social sciences, and science. Additional core requirements of the bachelor’s degree at SoPA include coursework in American government, oral communication, and race and inclusion. The proficiency, distribution, and supplemental undergraduate degree requirements are known as the SoPA Core Curriculum.

Bachelor's Degree

To receive a first baccalaureate degree from SoPA, students must have a minimum of 120 credits of passing work.

Students majoring in Liberal Arts and Sciences disciplines that are outside of SoPA should refer to the Newcomb-Tulane College graduation requirements.

Change of Major Requirement

At any point, students may change their majors. However, students who change their majors should understand that previously completed coursework may not apply to the newly selected major, and that additional coursework may be necessary to meet the major requirements.

Electives

Students will complete electives as needed until they matriculate into the nursing program. Electives are not permitted once admitted to the nursing major.

Minimum Requirements to Graduate

Undergraduate students must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average to graduate. They must also have a minimum 2.0 grade point average in their major. For SoPA majors, at least 60 credits must be earned in courses at the 2000 level or higher.

No more than half the credits used toward satisfying graduation requirements may be in the major. Students may take no more than 70 credits each of humanities, science, and social science. This includes credits in the major.

Up to 6 credits of electives earned in courses with designations such as Independent Study, Special Projects, Directed Study, and Practicum will count toward graduation requirements. Students who must exceed this limit are required to petition the dean's office.

Residency

At least 60 credits of a student's degree program must be completed at Tulane University. For nursing students, all 60 are taken while enrolled in the SoPA nursing program.

Program of Nursing Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

Per Louisiana Administrative Code LAC 46:XLVII.3517.B. qualified applicants shall be considered for admission without discrimination and in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. To be considered for admission to the nursing major the following core, writing across the curriculum, and nursing major prerequisite requirements must be completed. Students may transfer up to 60 credit hours that include core curriculum and nursing major prerequisites. A cumulative transfer GPA of 3.0 is required, and a cumulative Nursing Major Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 is required.

SoPA Core Curriculum Requirements for Nursing Students

SoPA students are required to meet the following core curriculum requirements. Incoming Newcomb-Tulane College (NTC) students may choose to meet NTC requirements prior to transfer which are equivalent to the SOPA core requirements.

Proficiency Requirements

English/Writing (7-8 credits)*
Quantitative Reasoning (6-8 credits)*
Foreign Language or Global Perspectives (6-8 credits)

Supporting Requirements

American Government (3 credits)*
Oral Communications (3 credits)*
Race and Inclusion (3 credits)*

Distribution Requirements

Students are required to complete 12 credits each of humanities/fine arts, sciences, and social sciences. In each distribution area, courses must be chosen from at least 
two different disciplines. A course can only satisfy one of the distribution areas.

Humanities (12 credits)
Science (12 credits)
Social Science (12 credits)

*Writing Requirement

English 1010, a 4-credit intensive writing course, is Tulane’s writing requirement. Students must demonstrate writing proficiency by: successful completion of ENGL 1010 Writing (4 c.h.) or ENGL 1011 Writing for Academic Purposes (4 c.h.), or a grade of C or better in a course equivalent to ENGL 1010 Writing (4 c.h.) from a regionally accredited institution, or an Advanced Placement score of 4 or better in either “English Literature and Composition” or “English Language and Composition” (or a similar A.P. exam).

Students who need to review basic English skills before enrolling in ENGL 1010 Writing (4 c.h.) may wish to take PAEN 1000 Academic Writing and Reading (3 c.h.) for elective credit. PAEN 1000 Academic Writing and Reading (3 c.h.) does not count toward the completion of the writing requirement.

Upon completing the mandatory first-year writing course ENGL 1010, SoPA students must also complete at least one 3-credit upper-level writing course. Students in the SoPA nursing major fulfill the upper-level writing requirement by successfully completing NRSG 4800 Management and Leadership in Nursing (3 c.h.).

*Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

Students working towards a Bachelor of Science Degree in a SoPA discipline are required to demonstrate competency in 6-8 credits in mathematics courses. Students in the SoPA B.S. programs may take any mathematics course, CPST 1070 Discrete Math for Information Technology (3 c.h.), or BSLS 3250 Business Statistics (3 c.h.) to fulfill this requirement. Nursing majors are required to take a statistics course before entering the nursing major that satisfies 3CH of the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

Students in the SoPA nursing major fulfill the additional 3CH of the Quantitative Reasoning requirement by successfully completing NRSG 4000 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (3 c.h.).

Foreign Language/Global Perspectives Requirement

Students pursuing any bachelor's degree offered by SoPA must demonstrate foreign language proficiency through successful completion of the second level in any foreign language, or complete two courses designated as Global Perspectives. Students may also blend one language and one Global Perspectives course. Please consult the SoPA website for a list of possible Global Perspectives courses.

*American Government

SoPA students must complete one course in American government. Students in the SoPA nursing major fulfill the American Government requirement by successfully completing NRSG 4000 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (3 c.h.).

*Oral Communications

Students are required to complete one course in oral communications. Students in the SoPA nursing major fulfill the oral communications requirement by successfully completing NRSG 4800 Management and Leadership in Nursing (3 c.h.).

*Race & Inclusion

SoPA students will complete one course that focuses on race and inclusion in the United States. SoPA students in the nursing major fulfill the race and inclusion in the United States requirement by successfully completing NRSG 4500: Population and Community Health Nursing.

Courses that fulfill the global perspectives, American government, and race & inclusion requirements may also be used to satisfy SoPA distribution requirements (e.g., humanities, social sciences).

Nursing Major Prerequisite Requirements

Students seeking admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are required to demonstrate competency by obtaining a cumulative grade of 3.0 or higher in the following prerequisite courses, and a grade of C or better in any one course:

Nutrition (3 credits)
Statistics (3 credits)
Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
Anatomy & Physiology 1 with lab (4 credits)
Anatomy & Physiology 2 with lab (4 credits)
Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
Chemistry with lab (4 credits)

All nursing major prerequisite courses must have been completed within seven years of application to the nursing program. These courses may also be used to fulfill proficiency or distribution degree requirements.

Outstanding Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants can be considered for conditional admission to the nursing program when they have no more than 3 core curriculum or Nursing Major prerequisite courses remaining to be completed. Only 1 of the 3 courses can be a Nursing Major prerequisite science course. Admission is conditional until the applicant successfully completes and achieves the required GPA in the remaining courses.

Program Timeline

Dual Degree

Tulane SoPA students must complete a minimum of 150 credits and satisfy all requirements for each degree and each major, to qualify for two baccalaureate degrees (dual degree) from any school at Tulane.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may pursue a second bachelor’s degree by completing at least 60 credits at Tulane. All requirements for the degree and major must be met.

Thus, students who are seeking a second bachelor’s degree from Tulane may transfer up to 60 credits to Tulane. All degree and major requirements must be met, including students must have completed the following:

Proficiency/Distribution/Supporting Requirements: Total requirements 24 credit hours

English/Writing (6 credits)
Quantitative Reasoning/Math (3 credits)
Foreign Language or Global Perspectives (3 credits)
Humanities (3 credits)
Social Sciences (3 credits)
Science (3 credits)
Race and Inclusion (3 credits)*

*The Race and Inclusion requirement is fulfilled in the nursing major by successful completion of NRSG 4500 Population & Community Health Nursing.

English Language Proficiency

If an applicant’s degree is from an institution outside of the United States where English is not the primary language, they must take the TOEFL or Duolingo English test 
for admission. Use college code #6832. These tests measure your ability to use and understand English at the university level. A score 100+ on TOEFL or 130+ on the
 Duolingo English Test is expected. Applicant’s may request an exemption from one of these tests.

Credit from an Institution Outside the United States

Coursework from foreign universities will be referred to the World Education Services (WES) for evaluation and translation, if necessary. Transfer of credit from colleges or universities not belonging to an institutional accrediting body are not accepted. All submitted materials must be in the English language.

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Nursing (NRSG)

Nursing (NRSG)

NRSG 3000 Integrated Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice: Part 1 (3)

This course [Part 1] focuses on the fundamental knowledge and content of pathophysiology and pharmacology for nurses. The course focuses on the disruption of physiological processes that produce disease states and examines the underlying mechanisms and alterations in normal bodily functions that contribute to the development, progression, and manifestations of diseases. The course integrates pharmacokinetics (how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body) to conceptualize how drugs can prevent or ameliorate these disruptions, and provides the foundation for implementing drug therapy.

NRSG 3010 Integrated Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice: Part 2 (3)

This course [Part 2] focuses on application to nursing practice and expands upon the fundamentals learned in Part 1. The course considers the influence of genetics, social and environmental factors, and lifespan on the development, progression, and manifestations of diseases. Pharmacodynamics (how drugs produce their effects), nursing considerations related to medication administration, patient education, and relevant non-pharmacologic interventions will be covered. Clinical judgment, patient safety, and evidence for best practice are integrated throughout the course.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3000.

NRSG 3100 Wellness and Professional Success (3)

This course provides the student with the opportunity to explore the basic concepts of Wellness from both a self-care and a professional development perspective. Theories and models of holism, wellness, stress, health promotion, health belief, and change are introduced as frameworks by which the student learns to reflect upon the lifestyle and behavior choices that influence health and well-being and are key factors in achieving and sustaining professional success. The course focuses on developing professionalism in nursing and includes topics in interprofessional collaboration, effective communication, and cultivating cultural humility. The course also provides a broad overview of topics relevant to professional nursing practice. Past and present influences that shape the role of nurses in the interdisciplinary healthcare system are discussed.

NRSG 3200 Foundations of Nursing Practice (3)

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide basic nursing care to adult individuals. Evidence-based principles and concepts of nursing will be covered including the nursing process, communication skills, physical assessment and the performance of nursing skills, and infection control. Students will apply principles and concepts of nursing interventions to patient care scenarios. Students will also learn about legal and ethical considerations in nursing practice and cultural competence in delivering patient care across the continuum of care.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3205.

NRSG 3205 Foundations of Nursing Practice Practicum/Lab (1)

This practicum is a hands-on laboratory course designed to provide essential practical experience and basic skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice. This course serves as a complement to the theoretical knowledge gained in the Foundations of Nursing course. Students will apply foundational nursing concepts and techniques within the safety of the laboratory and simulated healthcare settings. The course aims to develop students' clinical reasoning and technical skills while promoting professionalism and safe person-centered care.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3200.

NRSG 3210 Adult Health Assessment (3)

This course provides the skills and knowledge required for a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of adult individuals. The course teaches effective techniques for gathering comprehensive health histories including past medical history, family history, social history, and review of systems. The course focuses on developing methodical systems assessment skills and is a foundational course that prepares students to conduct health assessments as part of their nursing practice.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3215.

NRSG 3215 Advanced Skills and Health Assessment Practicum/Lab (1)

This practicum is a hands-on laboratory course designed to provide direct practice in the comprehensive assessment and advanced skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice. This course serves as a complement to the theoretical knowledge gained in the Health Assessment course. Throughout the practicum, students will apply assessment techniques and utilize advanced nursing skills in laboratory and simulated healthcare settings. The course aims to develop students' clinical judgment, communication, and technical skills while promoting professionalism, ethical conduct, and person-centered care.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3210.

NRSG 3350 Community Immersion Preparation (1)

The course emphasizes the importance of cultural competence, empathy, and ethical decision-making when engaging with diverse communities. This initial immersion experience prepares students with basic competencies related to community health such as Basic Life Support certification, basic first aid, and beginning knowledge in Disaster Preparedness. The experience provides students with an opportunity to observe, learn from, and actively contribute to the community they serve. Students will be introduced to social issues, community dynamics, and the complexities of social change. Throughout the immersion experience, students will be guided to reflect on their personal biases, assumptions, and privilege. Students will examine their own values and perspectives in relation to social justice and community engagement. The course provides opportunities for students to utilize communication and interpersonal skills with empathy and compassion and experience a sense of social responsibility.

NRSG 3400 Adult Health Nursing (4)

This comprehensive course explores the concepts, theories, and evidence-based practices necessary for understanding and addressing the unique healthcare needs of adults, and specifics related to older adults, in various healthcare settings. The course will also examine the diverse physiological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects of adult health and wellness. The course emphasizes the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the management of acute, chronic, and surgical conditions. Additionally, students will utilize clinical judgment and ethical decision-making to evaluate safe, person-centered care within the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3000, 3200, 3205, 3210 and 3215.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3450.

NRSG 3450 Adult Health Practicum (3)

This Practicum is a clinical course designed to provide students with practical experience and skills in the care of adult patients across various healthcare settings. The course focuses on the application of learned assessment skills and evidence-based nursing interventions, and the development of clinical reasoning and clinical judgment skills specific to adult health. Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in previous coursework to real-world clinical and simulated healthcare settings. The practicum aims to enhance students' competence in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care for adult patients while promoting patient safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professionalism and advocates for a holistic and person-centered approach. Emphasis is also placed on the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to older adults in various healthcare settings.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3400.

NRSG 3500 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (3)

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of psychiatric mental health nursing. The course explores the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of mental health across the lifespan, as well as the prevention and management of mental health disorders and psychiatric conditions. Students will examine the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that influence mental health and well-being. The course emphasizes the importance of a holistic and person-centered approach to care, fostering therapeutic relationships, and utilizing evidence-based interventions to support individuals with mental health challenges.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3000, 3200, 3205, 3210 and 3215.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3550.

NRSG 3550 Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum (2)

This Practicum is a clinical course designed to provide students with real-world experience and skills in the care of individuals with mental health challenges. The course focuses on the application of theoretical concepts and nursing interventions in a variety of mental health care settings and through simulated experiences. Students will have the opportunity to engage in direct patient care, therapeutic interventions, and interdisciplinary collaboration within mental health care teams. The practicum aims to develop students' clinical competence, clinical judgment, therapeutic communication, and empathy while promoting recovery-oriented and person-centered care.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 3500.

NRSG 4000 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (3)

This course introduces students to the different types of research methodologies used by healthcare disciplines to apply evidence-based findings to clinical practice. Topics include the introduction of clinical questions, ethical conduct of research, research methodologies, concepts of measurement, qualitative and quantitative research design, the influence of government on research, and the analysis and dissemination of research findings. Students will also learn how to integrate their clinical expertise, patient preferences and values, along with the best available evidence, to make informed clinical decisions.

NRSG 4400 Complex Adult Health Nursing (4)

This is an advanced course that builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills gained in prior courses. It concentrates on providing advanced nursing care to patients with complex or life-threatening health conditions. The course will provide content on the etiology, diagnostic tests and procedures, and management of complex health conditions, including recognizing and managing polypharmacy and providing emotional support to patients and their families. It also provides content related to the unique physiological, psychological, and social aspects of older adults. The course emphasizes the integration of theory and practice to enhance clinical reasoning, decision-making, advanced assessment techniques, and evidence-based nursing interventions.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3010, 3400 and 3450.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4450.

NRSG 4450 Complex Adult Health Practicum (2)

This Practicum is designed to provide students with advanced practical experience and skills in the nursing care of adult and older adult patients who have multiple health issues and complex needs or who are experiencing life-threatening conditions. Building upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses, this clinical course focuses on the application of advanced assessment, evidence-based nursing interventions and the development of clinical competence in managing complex healthcare needs. Students will be provided the opportunity to improve their organizational skills by experiencing the expanding complexity of patient acuity levels and workloads in demanding real-life and simulated healthcare settings. The practicum emphasizes clinical judgment, technical skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration while promoting patient safety, holistic care, and professionalism.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4400.

NRSG 4500 Population and Community Health Nursing (3)

This course provides students with a broad introduction to the principles, theories, and practices related to nursing care in the community. The course explores the role of the community health nurse in promoting, maintaining, and improving the health of individuals, families, and populations across the healthcare continuum and in various community settings. Students will examine the determinants of health, health promotion strategies, and the impact of social, cultural, and environmental factors on community health. The course emphasizes the application of evidence-based practices, health education, and collaboration with community stakeholders to address the unique health needs and challenges of underserved and diverse populations.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3350, 3500 and 3550.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4550.

NRSG 4550 Community Immersion Practicum (3)

This a clinical course designed to immerse students in delivering nursing care in community settings. This practicum complements the theoretical knowledge gained in the Community Health Nursing course and focuses on the application of evidence-based practices to promote health, prevent disease, and address the unique health needs of underserved and diverse populations. Students will have the opportunity to work directly with individuals, families, and communities to provide comprehensive and holistic nursing care. The practicum aims to develop students' clinical competence, clinical judgment, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative skills while promoting community engagement and addressing health disparities.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4500.

NRSG 4600 Pediatric Nursing (3)

This is a specialized course that builds on developmental theory and focuses on the principles of nursing care for children and their families who are experiencing acute, complex, and/or chronic health problems. This course focuses on the provision of holistic care to pediatric patients across various healthcare settings. The course covers various aspects of pediatric nursing including growth and development, common health conditions, nursing assessments, interventions, and health promotion specific to pediatric patients. The course emphasizes family-centered care, cultural considerations, and ethical principles in pediatric nursing practice.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3450 and 3550.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4650.

NRSG 4650 Pediatric Nursing Practicum (1)

This practicum is a clinical experience that provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in the field of pediatric nursing. The course provides students with the opportunity to provide direct care to infants, children, and adolescents in various real-time and simulated healthcare settings. The course emphasizes clinical competence, decision-making, and professional development in pediatric nursing practice.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4600.

NRSG 4700 Maternal Newborn Nursing (3)

This is a specialized course designed to provide students with an introduction to the process of childbirth and the practical concepts related to nursing care during the child-bearing period. The course explores health promotion, physiologic changes associated with pregnancy, high-risk conditions, and fetal development. Racial disparities in maternal and child health outcomes will be addressed. The course emphasizes the provision of holistic care to women, infants, and families throughout the pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods with a focus on the cultural needs of a diverse population.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 3450 and 3550.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4750.

NRSG 4750 Maternal Newborn Nursing Practicum (1)

This practicum is a clinical experience that provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in maternal newborn nursing. This course provides students with the opportunity to provide direct care to women, infants, and families in real-time and simulated prenatal, intrapartum, or postpartum settings. Emphasis is placed on clinical judgment, stress adaptation, and problem-solving.

Corequisite(s): NRSG 4700.

NRSG 4800 Management and Leadership in Nursing (3)

The course is an introduction to a variety of theoretical frameworks that support principles of leadership and management in nursing. Emphasis is placed on developing, enhancing, and demonstrating leadership skills, competencies, and aptitudes. Students are exposed to practical situations in the management of current and practical patient care in diverse healthcare settings. Topics include organizational structure, comparison of management and nursing processes, decision-making, change, oral and written communication skills, effective interpersonal skills, interprofessional collaboration, team building, quality improvement, and the nurse-sensitive indicators of structure, process, and outcomes.

Prerequisite(s): (NRSG 3400 and 3450) and (NRSG 3500 and 3550) and (NRSG 4400 or 4450) and (NRSG 4500 or 4550).

NRSG 4950 Nursing Generalist Preceptorship & Seminar (4)

This course is a culminating course that provides students with an opportunity to synthesize their knowledge, increase their responsibility and accountability, and prepare to successfully transition to professional nursing practice. The course provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate competence and readiness for practice in real-world settings under the guidance of a registered nurse preceptor. The course emphasizes advanced nursing concepts, clinical judgment, delegation, leadership, and NCLEX-RN preparation in concert with self-reflection, feedback, and committing to professional growth.

Prerequisite(s): NRSG 4400, 4450, 4500 and 4550.